Breaking: 76ers Suffer Crushing Health News for Embiid As Play-In Approaches
The Philadelphia 76ers are embroiled in a five-team battle for the final two guaranteed playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, or for favorable positioning in the Play-In. But their hopes suffered a crushing blow on Thursday, as Joel Embiid is undergoing an emergency appendectomy.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 9, 2026
He will obviously be unavailable for their final three games of the regular season, Thursday night, Friday night and Sunday, dramatically affecting their chances of getting up to the 5- or 6-seed and a definitive spot in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Recovery from an appendectomy is usually in the several-week range. His season is very likely done.
Embiid reported feeling ill this morning in Houston, where the Sixers are facing a huge game. After receiving medical treatment, the appendicitis was diagnosed and surgery was immediately scheduled.
The Sixers are 19-22 without their superstar center in the lineup this season, and 24-14 with him. Overall, their 43-36 mark places them smack in the middle of a run of four teams separated by just one loss in the fight for a postseason berth. Philly does have one game in hand on Orlando (36 losses) and Atlanta (35 losses). Toronto, with 35 losses, also has three to play. Charlotte has 37 losses, but only have two games remaining. Miami is at 38 losses with three to play.
Embiid has managed to play just 38 games in another injury-riddled season, while averaging 26.9 points per game. His rebounding numbers are down significantly, however, to just 7.7 per game, from a career average of nearly 11 boards.
Photo: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
